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WASHINGTON’S E-BIKE LAW · PeopleForBikes.org With an e-bike, bicyclists can ride more often, farther, and for more trips. Electric bicycles are designed to be as safe as traditional

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Page 1: WASHINGTON’S E-BIKE LAW · PeopleForBikes.org With an e-bike, bicyclists can ride more often, farther, and for more trips. Electric bicycles are designed to be as safe as traditional

PeopleForBikes.org

With an e-bike, bicyclists can ride more often, farther, and for more trips.

Electric bicycles are designed to be as safe as traditional bicycles, do not compromise consumer safety, and benefit bicyclists who may be discouraged from riding a traditional bicycle due to limited physical fitness, age, disability or convenience.

In many states, e-bikes are regulated under antiquated laws primarily aimed at combustion engine vehicles such as mopeds or scooters. PeopleForBikes and the Bicycle Product Suppliers Association are clarifying state laws governing the use of e-bikes in the U.S. Every state’s law is different, but the objective is to ensure that low-speed e-bikes are regulated similarly to traditional, human-powered bicycles.

» LOCAL: Consult your local land management agency.

» STATE: The Washington Recreation and Conservation Office does not currently have an eMTB policy but expects to regulate them similarly to motorized vehicles. Contact the department for the most up to date information. PeopleForBikes is monitoring this policy and will update this document as needed.

» FEDERAL: On federal lands, eMTBs are considered motorized vehicles and have access to motorized trails. Contact the U.S. Forest Service Pacific Northwest Regional Office or the BLM Washington State Office for more information.

WASHINGTON’S E-BIKE LAW FOR TRAILS » On federal, state, county and local trails, e-mountain bike (eMTB) access

varies significantly.

» Generally, any natural surface trail that is designated as open to both motorized and non-motorized uses is also open to eMTBs.

» eMTBs may not be allowed on trails managed for non-motorized activities.

» Do not ride your eMTB in areas where the local rules are unclear. Ride legally and only on authorized trails to show that mountain bikers are responsible trail users.

» When in doubt, ask your local land manager about access to specific trails. Local land rules change frequently.

eMTB GUIDELINES

» Boundary Trail Morton | 30.5 miles

» North Fork of Asotin Creek Asotin | 23.8 miles

GREAT eMTB RIDES IN WASHINGTON

WASHINGTON’S E-BIKE LAW FOR THE ROAD» E-bikes are regulated like bicycles. The same rules of the road

apply to both e-bikes and human-powered bicycles.

» E-bikes are not subject to the registration, licensing, or insurance requirements that apply to motor vehicles.

» Washington designates three classes of e-bikes: ›Class 1: Bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and that ceases to provide assistance when the e-bike reaches 20 mph. ›Class 2: Bicycle equipped with a throttle-actuated motor, that ceases to provide assistance when the e-bike reaches 20 mph. ›Class 3: Bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and that ceases to provide assistance when the e-bike reaches 28 mph.

»Class 1 and 2 e-bikes are allowed on bike paths and improved trails; while class 3 e-bikes are not, unless the local agency authorizes them. When in doubt, check with your town, city, or county for local regulations.

»Persons under 16 years of age may not ride a Class 3 e-bike, unless they are riding as a passenger.

»The use of electric bicycles on singletrack mountain bike trails is determined by the agency or local authority which jurisdiction over that land. Check with your local land manager for information about access.

* The following Washington laws are referenced: RCW 2 46.04.169, 46.04.071, 46.20.500, 46.61.710 and 46.37.

Learn more at PeopleForBikes.org/e-bikes » Blogs and webinars

» E-bike laws around the country

» E-bike statistics and research

» Buying guide

» Retailer materials

» eMTB management resources

» A map of great eMTB rides at peopleforbikes.org/emtb

» eMTB “Adventures” at peopleforbikes.org/e-bikes

CHECK OUT

WASHINGTON’S E-BIKE LAW WA